Solar Panel Cleaning Service

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels provide premises with clean and renewable energy, but their functionality can be impacted if not properly cleaned. At Rentokil Specialist Hygiene we understand the importance of your solar panels operating as effectively as possible as well as the risks involved when working at height.

Our experts utilise advanced techniques and eco-friendly solutions to remove the build-up of dirt, grime, and debris to ensure optimal energy generation. Trust our experienced team to help optimise your solar arrays performance and extend its lifespan.

Contact us today for a thorough and reliable solar panel cleaning service.

When the sun shines on a solar panel, solar energy is absorbed by the panels cells. These cells generate an electrical charge as they become energised, the stronger the sunshine the more electricity can be generated, but they will still work on cloudy days. When layers of dirt or fouling build up, they impact the performance of your solar array. Examples of this soiling, or ‘hard shading’ include:

Natural soiling of solar panels occurs as airborne pollutants settle onto the panels, gradually building up a layer or film which reduces how much solar energy can be absorbed. This has a direct impact on the amount of electricity your solar array can generate, reducing efficiency, costing you money and potentially reducing the lifespan of your system.

Typical sources of soiling can include:

All of the above examples reduce the amount of energy being converted into electricity, ultimately leading to less financial return for your investment and more expensive repair and replacement costs in the future. Regular cleaning by a professional solar panel cleaning company helps ensure your solar system is always performing to its greatest potential, whatever the great British weather has in store.

Solar panel cleaning requires specialist equipment, expertise and competence. Cleaning solar arrays involves working at height, working with live electrical equipment, and expensive, potentially fragile equipment. Cleaning of solar panels is definitely best left to the professionals. DIY cleans with a mop and bucket of tap water, or even worse, using a pressure washer, can be very dangerous, and cause damage to delicate surfaces.

Our commercial solar cleaning service is simple, effective and produces excellent results every time, leaving your solar panels running at maximum efficiency.

• All of our local solar panel cleaning technicians are trained and competent in working at height and working around solar arrays.
• We ensure industry PPE and equipment is used on every job. Long reach carbon brush and clean systems provide the best possible clean with maximum operator safety.
• We only use de-ionised, pure water. This ensures that no deposits are left behind, for a streak free finish and maximum absorption. Unlike standard tap water, which leaves behind mineral deposits that can permanently cloud your glass, our purified water dries crystal clear.

In short, yes.

Having a solar panel installation is a big investment, often sold with a return on investment promise within a few years. To ensure you get that return as quickly as possible, generation of electricity should be optimised wherever possible. If a dirty system loses 20% of its production over a year, the cost of a professional cleaning is often recouped in just a few months of increased energy savings. That's why cleaning your solar panels isn't just a nice to have, it's a necessity.

It's a common myth that rainwater is enough to keep solar panels clean. The reality is that airborne pollutants, dusts and deposits are usually just too much for rain to remove in isolation. Give your solar panels, and your energy efficiency, a helping hand with either a scheduled maintenance contract or a one-off clean.

While modern solar panels are built to withstand the elements, we prioritise "safety first" by recommending that the system be de-energised via the rapid shutdown switch or the main solar breaker before cleaning begins.

Modern systems continue to generate current even when isolated, so we always ensure specialised PPE and training for working on and around any solar system, whether turned off or not. We will always inspect for damage prior to work as part of our risk assessment.

For most environments, a bi-annual cleaning schedule is the "sweet spot" for maintaining optimal efficiency, though homes near construction, farms, dirt roads, or high-pollen areas may require quarterly attention. Properties in coastal areas or where roosting birds gather are also ‘high-risk’ in terms of soiling.

Visible deposits of dirt on your solar panels are a sure fire indicator that cleaning is needed, but if in doubt, have your panels inspected by an expert.

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  What is the best way to clean solar panels?

  Via a professional solar panel cleaning company such as Rentokil Specialist Hygiene. DIY solutions for cleaning electrical equipment at height are simply unsafe.

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  Can I clean my solar panels myself?

  Whilst the task of solar panel cleaning may seem straightforward, there are a few aspects to consider to ensure safe and effective cleaning.

  • Safety First: Prioritise safety when cleaning solar panels. Professional services have specialist equipment, minimising the minimal risk of electric shock.
  • Consult Experts: Before DIY cleaning or maintenance, seek professional advice on your specific solar panel system.
  • DIY vs. Professional: Evaluate your comfort with heights and electrical work. While DIY kits exist, a professional service eliminates risks and challenges, providing reliable results. Consider the time, effort, and risk of DIY versus the cost and ease of hiring a professional.

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  How much will it cost to have my solar panels cleaned?

  This will vary depending on access requirements and number of panels/arrays. A free, no obligation survey is the best way to confirm.

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  What is the 20% rule for solar?

  Solar panels rarely operate at 100% efficiency. So the panels should be capable of producing 120% of the buildings required energy. The lower that efficiency is, through soiling and shading, the less return on investment the owner receives.

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  Are solar panels designed to be self-cleaning?

  Yes and no. Whilst modern panels are made with hydrophobic materials, and positioned to remain as clean as possible, environmental conditions in many areas of the UK make that very difficult to achieve without a helping hand.

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  How much is it to clean solar panels?

  Solar panel cleaning costs will depend on a number of factors, the number of solar panel arrays as more panels require more time to clean, the location of your panels and how easily accessible they are for example on the roof of your premises as this requires specialist materials and equipment to clean. To receive a free quote and on-site survey, please contact our team to book with one of our local experts.